Class Descriptions
 
 
WELCOME HOME PUPPY SESSIONS
(Also available for older dogs that have just been adopted to a new home)
 
  • We come to your home to observe and make suggestions for your dog's comfort and safety
     
  • We work with your entire family - playing games that teach the dog good habits
     
  • We demonstrate proven methods for teaching without correction
     
  • We teach everyone to be consistent with the command words
     
  • We will teach the family about proper socialization and conditioning
     
  • We will give written instruction on teaching the dog to "do his business" in one area of the yard
     
  • We will discuss the pros and cons of crate training and help you decide the right size and type of confinement for your dog
     
  • We will discuss child safety with your children- putting the "why" behind the games they should never, ever play with the dog
     
  • We will also emphasize the need to protect your pet from household and environmental hazards.
     
  • We can save you $$$ by recommending proven training tools, equipment and toys
We can save you a lot of trial and error, not to mention expense by giving tried and true advise on training, the best equipment and toys to spend money on.  All for less than the cost of having your carpet cleaned.  Why wait until you are frustrated?  Start out on the right paw by calling for a session as soon as you bring your puppy home.

REGISTER NOW! While your carpet is still clean and intact




SMALL GROUP - up to Four Dogs



This series of lessons consists of two parts

BASIC OBEDIENCE (for Puppies and Adult Dogs)


In the first month we build the foundation. We get you and your dog working as a team, working with some basic commands.  In the second month we start proofing (testing) your dog on all the decision making we taught in the foundation class.  We also get more into loose leash walking in the second month and actually get the dogs out into the real world (weather-permitting).

FIRST MONTH - FOUNDATION



Classes 1 to 4


Starts the Beginning of Each Month (except Dec) 

See the Calendar for the next month's FOUNDATION CLASS
BASIC OBEDIENCE (for Puppies and Adults)

 
  • Come on command - will teach the dog the come command with positive reinforcement so he will come reliably every time.  We start with games to make it fun for the family including the dog.
  • Stop - immediately - a lifesaver to teach the dog to make the right decision even when in full prey-mode chasing rabbits.

  • Dancing with your dog (or the walking exercise) - the foundation of our leadership training.  The dog will learn to look at you for direction, to turn when you turn, stop when you stop.  A great foundation for eventual off-leash work. We make it fun for you and your dog............building the team. Note: even those with physical limitations can play this game. Dogs adapt to our pace-that's one of the things that make them remarkable!

  • Down on command - with hand signal and voice - without force.
     

  • Sit on command - with hand signal and voice, progressing to the automatic sit when you stop.
     

  • Stay - sit stay and down stay, increasing distractions while the dog is in a stay - a huge tool for controlling your dog in any situation.  Builds your confidence and your dog's confidence, while teaching the dog self-control.
     

  • Play - how to play in such a way that you are teaching your dog at the same time.

    In each class we work the dogs for approx. 30 minutes and then we have 20 to 30 minutes of theory.

    The theory part of our Foundation Class covers such topics as housetraining, how to correct inappropriate barking, positive reinforcement, timing and techniques for success.  We discuss the many subtle ways that you can assert yourself as leader of the dog's "pack".  We also deal with dogs and children - good games, bad games, child safety and puppy safety. Because classes are small, we are able to customize the course somewhat  to meet your family's specific needs. 




SECOND MONTH - FRAMING



Starts the Beginning of Each Month (except Dec)

See the Calendar for the next month's FRAMING CLASS

NOTE:  This Session is Part Two of the Basic Obedience. This is for dogs who have completed the month's sessions or dogs who have been evaluated and deemed ready for the more challenging distractions of this class and for some safe off-leash work.
 

  • Variations of  the come command - teaching the finish, working on distance/time and introducing more distractions.
     

  • Sit stay - working on distance/time and distractions.  Teaching Stay means Stay.
     

  • Down - hand signal only/voice command only.
     

  • Down/Stay - working on distance/time and building up to a relaxed long down.
     

  • Meet and Greet - establishing a polite manner of greeting other dogs/people while on walks.

  • Walking Nicely - training your dog to leave distractions alone and to walk with a loose leash.

  • Random sit/down commands while walking.

  • Right/left/about turn while walking on leash.   

  • Games to play in the real world to make the walk more interesting and fun for your dog.

    At least two of these classes are conducted down at the seawall in Nanaimo, where your dog will be exposed to skateboards, bicycles, scooters, strollers, strange dogs, people of all shapes, sizes and nationalities. We teach you where you can work in YOUR dog's comfort zone to establish a confident, relaxed canine good citizen.

    COST IS CURRENTLY $224.00 (Including HST)

    Note: If our schedule does not fit yours, we can work out a combination of private and group lessons. Most dogs need some group lessons to provide distraction for them in a controlled setting.




     REGISTER NOW!

     






PRIVATE LESSONS:

We also offer private lessons for you and your dog.  Pricing will be dependent upon the amount of work involved.  After an initial evaluation a proposal will be given to you based on the number of sessions estimated to be required. 

The number of sessions is usually dependent upon how committed you are and how much homework you do with your dog as well as how consistent you are in working with your dog.  If you relax the rules, the dog will take advantage and you will set yourself and your dog back in training.